Kim Loeffler Racing

A Record Breaking Day!

A friend of mine once told me racing Ironman is somewhat of a crap shoot.  You train hard, you’re fit, mentally strong, you roll the dice, and sometimes get cat eyes.  I definitely rolled cat eyes at Ironman China this past weekend.  It was a day of records; record temps exceeding 113 degrees, 90% humidity, record drop out rates, and unfortunately a new record PW (personal worst) for me in the run! 

The swim was in a river with a very strong current.  My first lap went ok. It was a little brutal at the start due to the fact that we were in skinsuits and all the age groupers  swimming all over us had full wetsuits on. However, once things thinned out,  I was happy to have some company.  My first lap went ok and I had a few age groupers to help sight off of.  I was on pace for an hour, which is pretty good for me considering the strong current.  On the way back to shore on loop 2, I took the turn way to wide and got swept off course by the current.  I fought hard to get back on course but lost several minutes  and once again exited the water with alot of work to do!  My plan was to ride a little harder the first 30 miles to close the gap, then settle in.  I am so happy to be riding a P3 again this year.  The bike is really really fast and my position on it feels so powerful and efficient.  Once I moved up to 4th place and was within striking distance to the top 3 girls, I toned it down and cruised into T2, trying to save my legs and energy for what I knew would be a war of attrition rather than  a marathon running race.  My muscles felt good coming off  the bike, but once I hit the run course, it was as if I stepped into a sauna.  The heat and humidity were oppressive and within a few minutes, I felt like my head was about to explode.  My pace slowed to a shuffle, then a walk, then a nice little break at one of the aid stations where I contemplated quiting.  I didn’t know how I was going to make it another 13 miles.  I sat there drinking water and gatorade. I was cooked.  I was done.  My race was over.  Then, I thought about last years Hawaii Ironman.  When my hamstring cramped so badly, I quit and took the medical van to the finish line.  The medical van is a horrible horrible place to be.  They don’t just pick you up and take you straight to the medical tent.  They sweep the course, picking up the carnage one by one.  I sat there watching the race from a van window.  The race that I trained  so hard for.  I watched the other athletes push there limits, walking shuffling along with indomitable will and focus.   I didn’t come to China to watch the race from a van window.  I couldn’t finish the Hawaii Ironman without risking a muscle tear, but I could finish Ironman China.  So, I got up and continued my shuffle to the  finish line.  I crossed the finish line in 5thplace, completely exhausted, but with a little pride and self satisfaction in knowing that I just finished the hardest hottest Ironman in the world, EVER!   Unless you were there, there is no way you can understand how hot it was.  Let me tell you,  I have raced well in 90 degree temps, 113 is a whole new world!  

I owe a huge thank you to my K Swiss family who were the presenting sponsors of Ironman China and showed incredible support before during and after the race.  I am still recovering from a nasty stomach bug I got my last day in China.  I honestly don’t know what was harder the race or the flight home!  With the exception of my stomach, my legs feel really good and I am eager to get back into some hard core training real soon.   My original plan was to get a Kona slot early in the year and focus on 70.3’s throughout the summer and hit Kona training with fresher legs than in previous years. Sinced I failed to get my slot, I now have to re evaluate my race plans.  There are many to choose from and some of my favorites on the circuit; IMCDA, IMLP and IM Canada.  Kelly is still training hard core and very very fit for a great Ironman.  There is still a possibility we will race an Ironman together this year.  She was ready for IM China, but due to financial reasons decided to hold out and do some early season racing in the states.  It has been a goal of ours for a few years to race an Ironman together.  After training with her over the past few months, part of me would rather be out there on the sidelines supporting her like she has done for me over the years.  We’re both getting antsy, so I know we have to make a decision soon.  Well, I have plenty of time to think about things this week, because with this stomach bug, it doesnt look like I’ll be leaving the house anytime soon!  I will keep you posted.